Police authorities in Hulhumale' have towed 22 taxis and detained three individuals following a protest by taxi drivers on December 11.

The protest was sparked by opposition to a decision by the Ministry of Transport to allocate taxi services in the Male' area to a Government-owned company. Demonstrators reportedly blocked roads in Hulhumale', causing traffic disruptions, including the route connecting Hulhumale' to the main highway.

Police confirmed that Mohamed Shamin and Ahmed Shabeen have been remanded in custody for five days in connection with the road blockages. A third individual, Nu’uman Ahmed, was released on conditional bail.

Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The Ministry of Transport has reassured taxi drivers that their livelihoods will not be negatively impacted by the establishment of a Government-run taxi service.